Cabinet approves funding to fast-track Isiolo–Mandera highway
The funding will facilitate the construction of the 67-kilometre Modogashe–Samatar section and the 76-kilometre Rhamu–Mandera section, two critical links in the 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.
In a major boost to infrastructure development in Northern Kenya, the Cabinet has approved additional financing for the construction of key sections of the Isiolo–Mandera Highway, a flagship project expected to transform connectivity, trade and economic development across the region.
The funding will facilitate the construction of the 67-kilometre Modogashe–Samatar section and the 76-kilometre Rhamu–Mandera section, two critical links in the 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.
The ambitious project is designed to open up Northern Kenya through improved transport infrastructure, stimulate trade, enhance access to essential services and strengthen regional integration within the Horn of Africa.
The approval was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on June 30.
According to the Cabinet, the additional financing will accelerate construction works, improve mobility, facilitate trade and expand access to social and economic services for communities along the northern transport corridor.
The latest approval follows President Ruto's assurance during an inspection tour of the Tarbaj–Kotulo section on June 2 that the government remains fully committed to completing the road despite criticism over delays.
“I am here to see the road construction works for myself. There have been many stories from political brokers and naysayers claiming that nothing is happening here. But I want to assure you that this road project will be completed, God willing,” the President said.
The Cabinet's decision also comes weeks after the National Land Commission (NLC) issued a Gazette Notice paving the way for compulsory acquisition of land along sections of the Isiolo–Mandera corridor.
In the notice published on May 29 on behalf of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Commission said the acquisition is intended to facilitate the construction of the highway as well as the installation of fibre optic cable infrastructure along the corridor.
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Once completed, the highway is expected to significantly boost economic activity, improve security, reduce travel time and strengthen regional connectivity between Northern Kenya and neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa.
Leaders from the region welcomed the Cabinet's decision, describing it as a historic milestone in addressing decades of infrastructure neglect.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the project would unlock immense economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of residents across Northern Kenya.
“For decades, Northern Kenya was overlooked by successive administrations, leaving our people disconnected from economic opportunities and essential services. This investment marks a turning point,” he said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan said the approval demonstrates the government's commitment to inclusive development, equitable distribution of national resources and balanced regional growth.
Mandera County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Salah Maalim Alio described the funding approval as a significant breakthrough towards the completion of one of Kenya's most transformative infrastructure projects.
“The completion of these two critical sections effectively removes one of the last major obstacles to the realisation of the Isiolo–Mandera Highway, one of Kenya's most transformative infrastructure projects,” he said.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow also welcomed the announcement, describing President Ruto's renewed commitment to the project as "light at the end of the tunnel" for residents who have waited decades for a modern road network linking Northern Kenya to the rest of the country.
